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Dentists give free treatment to 75 kids

Seventy-five children have brighter teeth after Friday’s “Give Kids A Smile” day in Hood River. Dentists and their staff members gave check-ups, cleaned teeth, applied protective sealant, and otherwise helped needy children as part of a national dental health effort. The following people helped in the first-ever project:

Children free treatment in the day-long clinic was at the offices of Burton and Dr. James Bickler. Some of the children will require follow-up appointments, which will also be done free of charge.

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Hood River Les Schwab hosted a child safety seat clinic on Feb. 9, where participants were treated to hot coffee and popcorn as they waited to have their car seats checked for safety.

Eight unsafe seats were identified and taken out of circulation. Families were able to replace them for a minimal charge, thanks to a grant from the Oregon Department of Human Services Children’s Injury Prevention Section. In all, 16 infant, convertible and high-back booster seats were sold, and an additional 16 no-back booster seats were given away.

This was the first clinic held in Hood River to give away free seats, according to Velda Brigham, clinic volunteer from Mid-Columbia Children’s Council. She said in a recent press release that free seats are a big draw to get parents to come in and check out the safety of existing seats and make sure all their children are properly buckled in.

Car seat safety technicians at the clinic included Devon Wells of Hood River Fire Department, Corey Simons of the Oregon State Police, and Joella Dethman of Hood River County Commission on Children and Families.

Brigham praised Les Schwab’s partnership in the winter clinic, especially Jim Marit, who opened the office for the clinic and made 25 batches of popcorn for the kids and parents before the event was over.

For more information about car seat safety, call Joella Dethman at 541-386-1667, evenings and weekends.

Clarence Cannon of Hood River, on behalf of friends and family, delivered the following message on Monday:

“To Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital:

I want to thank each and every one of you: the ambulance crew, emergency room staff and its doctor, nurses, and especially Dr. Gary Regalbuto, Jeffrey Menashe and all those who provided care for my wife of 62 years, Elaine Cannon, whom I miss dearly. The professionalism and compassionate care from everyone involved with her care, which includes the aides and the ones who provided the food; you are all appreciated very much. From one who lived in this community and who had a need of being served by this hospital and its staff, from the people who keep the hospital clean to Gary Young and the doctors, nurses and the administrator, I for one appreciated your loving and dedicated care. The community as a whole should appreciate your dedicated efforts.”

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A support fund has been set up for former Mosier residents Frank and Kristy Bonnell, according to Crystal and Michael Hutchinson of Mosier. Frank has been diagnosed with cancer, and his wife and nine children have asked for help with treatment costs. Checks payable to Frank Bonnell Benevolent Fund (account 393-398372-4) may be sent to Washington Mutual Bank, 560 W. Kathleen, Suite A, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83414.